Space Shuttle Benefits

There are many practical
benefits to space exploration. Advances in space technology have
a dramatic effect on Earth technology. Benefits range from new ergonomic
solutions for people who do repetitive work to industrial medical
X-ray machines. Listed below are several of these benefits. For
a more detailed description of that technology, click on the corresponding
picture.

The
Shuttle Radar Topography Mission set out to generate
the most accurate topographical map of the Earth.
The data recorded will enable engineers and scientists
to develop safer navigation techniques and better
communication systems.

Two
girls who can not tolerate exposure to either the
sunís strong ultraviolet light or even bright indoor
lighting, each received a special UV protection
suit that was developed from space-based technology.

A
miniaturized ventricular-assist pump has been successfully
implanted into several people. Initially called
the NASA/DeBakey heart pump, it is based in part
on technology used in space shuttle fuel pumps.

Winging
their way into toy stores are Hasbro Aero Nerf Gliders,
benefiting from NASA wind tunnel and aerodynamic
expertise.

Properties
of metal alloys studied for the space station program
have sparked a new line of golf clubs. Shape memory
metal gives the most seasoned golfer new control
and feel.

BSR
created blanket insulation kits based on NASA Space
Shuttle Thermal Protection System materials and
had the first products bear a seal from the U.S.
Space Foundation indicating their space origin.

Based
on award-winning NASA telerobotics software, VEVI4
is a powerful tool used to represent complex devices
graphically in a 3-D environment. Depicted here
is the Dante II vehicle during its descent into
Mount Spurr, Alaska.

†Building
the Boeing 777 brought about the use of NASA innovations,
from lightweight composite materials to the modern
glass cockpit and aircraft control systems.

NASA's
Space Product Development Program helps American
business explore the potential and reap the rewards
of doing business in space, bringing the benefits
of space to Earth where it enriches the everyday
lives of the American public.

NASA's
technology transfer is the process by which space
technology developed by NASA is transferred to businesses
for another purpose.